The Pork Industry in Victoria

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Pork Production in Victoria

Pork production in Victoria is an intensive industry which is concentrated in the North-Western regions of the state. In 1996 there were a total of 467 herds in Victoria which had 52,000 sows and 460,000 pigs. Victoria has some 18% of the national herd. The gross value of pork production in Victoria is about $185 million. A further $275 million is contributed to the state's economy by further pork processing. Victoria’s share of national slaughterings has increased from 21% to 27% over the period 1990 to 1996. In 1996 about 3% of the national production was exported with a value of approximately $35 million. Victoria currently exports about $6.15 million worth of pork and pork products annually.

Victoria has 5 dedicated pig abattoirs and 9 mixed species abattoirs where other species are slaughtered as well. Of the top 10 pig abattoirs in Australia, 4 are in Victoria. Two of these are export registered.

The Department of Primary Industries, Victoria (DPI) Pork Production project involves up to 40 staff with direct (labour and operating) project costs of over $2.5 million pa. DPI provides approximately 40% of the direct project revenue with the Pig Research and Development Corporation providing 30% with the remaining 30% coming from industry and other commercial sources.

To increase the value of pork and pork products exported from Victoria, the project aims to ensure that production in this state becomes competitive and sustainable by increasing production efficiency, improving both the quality and consistency of pork and facilitating the adoption of best practice and quality assurance principles by the Victorian industry.